Regal Princess October 14 to 21, 2017 New England/Canada

[Bimmer09]

(several photos stitched together via Lightroom)

 

A few last looks at our first port of call, Newport, Rhode Island. We were only ashore for just over 4 hours but they were good hours and we'd be happy to return. Taking that Cliff walk is a tonic for the body and soul. I had been to Rhode Island just once before when an advertising guru from England who was my childhood friend and shared a school desk with me when I was 5 until I was 11 rented a house in Truro just north of Provincetown for him, his wife and 4 kids in July 1992. I drove 7 hours from Edison NJ with my 27 inch Sony tv, VCR and Bose sound system as the forecast was for rain one day and he was concerned about keeping the kids amused.

It was back-breaking loading all that up but on one day it did rain and the kids were kept more than happy by the tv. I was only there from Friday to Sunday when I had to pack it all up again and drive back. We even went swimming on the Truro beach. Provincetown was a fun, laid back, friendly place. Newport seemed to be the same.

More to follow after a nap in Michigan....

Edited November 3, 2017 by Bimmer09
spelling

[Pmorton3360]

Did this same excursion. Loved the cliff walk.so amazing. Even my pictures look good.

With a recommendation from our local tour guide, I went to Benjamin's. 1 1/2 pound lobster and chowder. I sat up at the bar and really enjoyed it. Got my refrigerator magnet and Christmas decoration and back to ship.

 

Sent from my LG-LS777 using Forums mobile app

[need2cruisesoon]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Norris, May I say you have an impeccable palate for fine spirits.

To warm up pre-dinner the "Dewars" and on the homeward stretch pre-retire you have the "Courvoisier" (my go to).

Very impressed my friend, you travel well and enjoy the many finer things life has to offer, cheers.

[Bimmer09]

Before I add the rest of the Farewell Newport photos here is a short video of our visit to Bowen's Wharf before we caught the tender back.

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[Bimmer09]

 

 

I think this is a Hyatt resort...

 

 



 

 



 

 



 

 

Thank you for the welcome Newport!



 

 

But- we gotta go!

[Bimmer09]

Did this same excursion. Loved the cliff walk.so amazing. Even my pictures look good.

With a recommendation from our local tour guide, I went to Benjamin's. 1 1/2 pound lobster and chowder. I sat up at the bar and really enjoyed it. Got my refrigerator magnet and Christmas decoration and back to ship.

 

Sent from my LG-LS777 using Forums mobile app

 

Benjamin's-will remember that for next time and I hope there is one!

Speaking of refrigerator magnets we have run out of display room. We took them off the fridge some time ago as they had a hard time staying on with all the opening and shutting of doors.

 

 

 

We have to order a new board from A***** as we are out of space.

Before I go on a cruise I always make a must-do list and it always includes "Eat on shore" but alas I seldom do. This time we did but only in a couple of ports but we should have been eating Lobster every day! Bars where you can have a drink and eat lobster-not many of those in Chicago!





Thanks for the comment!

Norris

[SuiteTraveler]

How this brings it all back! I loved seeing the Castle Hill Inn as we sailed away - and the bride and groom doing wedding photos outside - I would like to go stay there sometime to more thoroughly explore Newport! Thanks for these great photos!

[Bimmer09]

Tonight, Sunday October 15th, our second day on the Regal, is a Formal Night and we brought our fancy duds as we are going to the Opera anyway when we get back to New York.

On the ship it also means Champagne Waterfall and Captain's Welcome Address....

I had set out without Carol for a smoke on deck 7 and then visited the Piazza where the "champagne" waterfall was being set-up.

 

 

 

It was while I was standing here on the top floor that the video crew caught me and included the shot in their weekly video recap which they sell as a DVD-"Reflections". One more reason to buy it. I showed up in a Celebrity one too. We buy them regardless as momentos.

I have videotaped many Champagne Waterfalls and Captain's Addresses but this night I was restless with the process and moved on- I think I went to Calypso Cove, one of the shops and bought a fridge magnet representation of the ship and a carton of Duty Free smokes (real cheap at $36 vs $113 in Chicago). Score!

Not everyone is jaded with the Champagne Waterfall and what follows of course and some of you may never have seen one. With that in mind I will include one from another Princess ship. It's harmless fun and a chance for the ship's photographers to take a photo of you which you can then buy. It's not an everyday thing and you know you are on a fun cruise ship when you attend one.

I have several videos to choose from but this one includes the Waterfall and the Captain's address although not a witty Captain in the Nick Nash, John Foster. Michele Tuvo vein.

You'll get the gist and can decide if this experience is for you.

NY09XfxpUTY

 

Carol later came along and saw the whole thing and enjoyed it, as everyone in the Piazza I am sure did. Is this a Princess only thing? Waiters walk around handing out glasses of champagne although I was bypassed while those next to me got some. Having tasted it, it ain't Veuve Clicquot.

The Cruise Director in this clip is the wonderful Billy Highgate, a fine song and dance man and the Captain is Karl Smith (?) I am not sure of the Cap'n's name as he was a tad invisible-unlike on Celebrity where the Captain (usually a Greek) sings to you with soft balalika accompaniment when he tucks you in at night.

As it was Formal Night folks were nicely dressed up and many were having portraits done at numerous photographer stations with backdrops and bright lights. These we eschew.

Each to his own, is my motto.

[Bimmer09]

How this brings it all back! I loved seeing the Castle Hill Inn as we sailed away - and the bride and groom doing wedding photos outside - I would like to go stay there sometime to more thoroughly explore Newport! Thanks for these great photos!

 

My good Sir, you are most welcome!

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Norris, May I say you have an impeccable palate for fine spirits.

To warm up pre-dinner the "Dewars" and on the homeward stretch pre-retire you have the "Courvoisier" (my go to).

Very impressed my friend, you travel well and enjoy the many finer things life has to offer, cheers.

 

Ron, I didn't choose these-they are the Princess staple. I wouldn't have gin and vodka as I don't drink those. I change them out for European lagers although I do love the Dewars and Cuorvoisier on the rocks. They are "life is good" libations for sure and as I model my sophistication on Ricardo Montalban, perfectly elegant. There can be nothing more rewarding (besides a cat rubbing up against one's leg) than coming home from work and taking a Waterford crystal glass, taking the lid off an ice bucket and using a pair of diamond encrusted ice tongs, placing two or more cubes into the glass to give welcome to a nicely poured Scotch (or Irish as I am contracted to Jameson's). Work is forgotten instantly and "life is good".

 

(You, Sir are welcome to look me up on Facebook and we can continue to compare notes)

 

Cheers and bottoms up!

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Formal Night Dinner was after we left Newport, our earliest departure time of the week.

We dined in Concerto as we had ATD (Anytime Dining) Our wait team was Dominic (India) and Xiao Man from China. Top notch. My bottle of wine and Riedel glass were not lost which saved some time as we were going to a show at 10pm. We sat down at 8.

I'll put the video first this time....

TTw84OJ8Q5Y

 

Photos will follow

Norris

[Bimmer09]

My asparagus soup with little chunks of salmon hiding under the peppery surface

 

As we had a table in the middle with little room to maneuver a big camera I used my little Canon Pocket camera for the dinner shots. We coveted table 312 way at the back by the Winemakers Dinner room which had so much space around it I could have set up a tripod.

Carol enjoyed a Peach and pomegranate Bellini before her "Always Available" Fettucine Alfredo

 

 

My Always Available Caesar Salad

 

 

and Carol's butter lettuce and radicchio salad



 

Continued...

[Bimmer09]

Carol's Beef Medallions

 

 

and my Rustica farfalle with veal (a favorite I must have)



 

 

Dessert menu



 

 

Norman Love rules....



 

 

I finished off a fine meal with the usual double espresso and Sambuca



 

We had half an hour until show time so Carol went ahead to get a seat and I strolled on deck to smoke

[Bimmer09]

The poster tells you all you need to know-a love story set in a fairground of yore. Modern pop songs sung LIVE and nifty dancing with colorful sets. Lasts about 35 minutes which fly by.

You can't hear the music as camcorders aren't allowed as opposed to Celebrity where they encourage video taping and putting on Youtube. So it is still photos (without flash) only.

 

 

 



 

 



 

 



 

 



 

More....

[Bimmer09]

I had to use a 55 to 250mm zoom lens to get close to the action

 

 



 

 



 

 

Much of the scenery is shown on a Digital Screen at the back of the stage



 

Our goal was to be asleep by 11 pm as we were sailing into Boston tomorrow and I wanted to see that whole process after a leisurely breakfast in Allegro MDR

Zzzzzzzzzz.....

[Deck Chair Queen]

My review of this cruise was posted today on Cruise Critic! The Breakers is lovely, but I must admit, my favorite mansion of all I have seen in the USA is Ca d'Zan in Sarasota, FL.

 

Suite Traveler what a coincidence! I attended New College in the late sixties/early seventies and Cad'Zan was in our back yard! I agree it is more interesting and way farther over the top than The Breakers. Circus folks but with a great art collection!

 

Carol

[Shadow9612]

Carol enjoyed a Peach and pomegranate Bellini before her "Always Available" Fettucine Alfredo

Wow, this sounds nice - the Bellini that is! I have never had that kind. I will have to try it.

 

Norris, your review is incredible. I can't even find the words to compliment your photography! Thank you.

[rdsqrl]

Well, I'm late to the party, I see . . . but right in time for food porn -- it must have exerted some sort of psychic siren call on me.

 

I adore the photo of the Regal and the sailing ship together in the fog. Loads of atmosphere and such a wonderful story in the two disparate vessels.

 

I can't wait to hear your full thoughts on the Regal. I was skeptical but found myself liking it more than I thought I would and would be happy to sail on her again. That said, there are some things I definitely did not like at all. She was sure a beauty inside, though.

 

 

[Working 2 Cruise]

Norris, fantastic review, as usual!

 

Do you know if there are any forward smoking areas? I know about aft, but it would be nice if there were any forward.

 

Thanks!

[Bimmer09]

Norris, fantastic review, as usual!

 

Do you know if there are any forward smoking areas? I know about aft, but it would be nice if there were any forward.

Thanks!

 

Nina-the only forward smoking is inside in Churchills deck 6 outside the theater's lower level but it does have some windows looking on the sea. Waiters stop by to empty ashtrays and take drinks orders.

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Wow, this sounds nice - the Bellini that is! I have never had that kind. I will have to try it.

 

Norris, your review is incredible. I can't even find the words to compliment your photography! Thank you.

 

Thank you in return for the compliments. Carol is pretty much a non-drinker, the exceptions being Veuve Clicquot champagne, Prosecco and this delightfully flavored Baloney. Sorry, Bellini!

Next time I will actually get her to sit at the bar at Bellini's on the Regal.

 

I make a lot of mistakes with the photos as I don't use the Auto settings on my camera and try to figure everything out myself. As I shoot RAW I can rescue them and learn from my mistakes. There are maybe 1% of the photos I took I can't use as there was camera shake as I was trying to hold the shutter open for 3/4 or even 1 second and that is pushing my luck on a moving ship at night.

I paid for an online course with my favorite teacher/photographer Mike Browne on Youtube.

He's a cheeky British chappie much like myself only he knows 100% what he's doing- I am learning a new hobby. Anthony Morganti teaches me how to use Lightroom and Serge Ramelli is my go to guy (homme) for photos as art.

 

I know there are some decent, some good and some shots I am very pleased with up ahead.

The important thing is they help me and Carol remember the whirlwind week for years to come.

 

Thanks for your kind comments!

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Well, I'm late to the party, I see . . . but right in time for food porn -- it must have exerted some sort of psychic siren call on me.

 

I adore the photo of the Regal and the sailing ship together in the fog. Loads of atmosphere and such a wonderful story in the two disparate vessels.

 

I can't wait to hear your full thoughts on the Regal. I was skeptical but found myself liking it more than I thought I would and would be happy to sail on her again. That said, there are some things I definitely did not like at all. She was sure a beauty inside, though.

 

Annie, it wouldn't be a Norris review if you weren't here when there was food on the table in the MDR. You will love my Sabatini's experience when we sail away from Boston-best dining experience ever on a Princess ship? We think so. That's for another day though.

I was lucky to get that photo of the sailing ship dwarfed by the Regal in the fog as the tender kept shifting underneath me as she turned to approach the landing dock. I basically had time for one shot and had to make it in focus and steady. I'm glad you like it as I do too-fog adds such atmosphere. You know that JMW Turner is my favorite painter?

I haven't dug much into my peeves on the Royal class design yet-they will come as I experience them but already I scratched my head over the "water and light show" on the pool deck. ScubacruiserX2 (Joe) had a video of it on one of his reviews and it was so lame and pointless and not worth the deck space.

All in good time.

In the morning I will put up my Horizon Court photos which I skipped ahead to find for the folks that want to see some more ship. That design goes in the win column for me.

Now that you are here, stay tuned as there is also LOBSTER PORN being unveiled much later.

Cheers!

Norris

[Suelantro]

Itinerary continued....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now we know where we are going to go and when, I can get on with recounting this adventure.

 

Thanks to those who have already joined this "review" which of course is really a

 

 

 

SEAFARING GENTLEMAN'S JOURNAL

 

(I'll explain that and how my "stuff" works in due course)

 

 

 

I'm just a soul whose intentions are good...

 

Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood!

 

 

 

Understood. Keep going!!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Thermy]

I paid for an online course with my favorite teacher/photographer Mike Browne on Youtube.

He's a cheeky British chappie much like myself only he knows 100% what he's doing- I am learning a new hobby. Anthony Morganti teaches me how to use Lightroom and Serge Ramelli is my go to guy (homme) for photos as art.

 

Thanks for the recommendations! I was looking for a way to improve my photography skills in my own time. I went to a day-course last year which was helpful but I haven't really had the time to get back into it.

[Shadow9612]

Thank you in return for the compliments. Carol is pretty much a non-drinker, the exceptions being Veuve Clicquot champagne, Prosecco and this delightfully flavored Baloney. Sorry, Bellini!

Next time I will actually get her to sit at the bar at Bellini's on the Regal.

 

I make a lot of mistakes with the photos as I don't use the Auto settings on my camera and try to figure everything out myself. As I shoot RAW I can rescue them and learn from my mistakes. There are maybe 1% of the photos I took I can't use as there was camera shake as I was trying to hold the shutter open for 3/4 or even 1 second and that is pushing my luck on a moving ship at night.

I paid for an online course with my favorite teacher/photographer Mike Browne on Youtube.

He's a cheeky British chappie much like myself only he knows 100% what he's doing- I am learning a new hobby. Anthony Morganti teaches me how to use Lightroom and Serge Ramelli is my go to guy (homme) for photos as art.

 

I know there are some decent, some good and some shots I am very pleased with up ahead.

The important thing is they help me and Carol remember the whirlwind week for years to come.

 

Thanks for your kind comments!

Norris

Indeed, not only do all of us benefit from these wonderful photos, but it is a wonderful recording of your history together. So nice!